A couple of weeks ago long time friend Eric from deep South Texas sent up a recipe for a Rio Star Grapefruit Rum Spritzer that we enjoyed with Jess while she was down from Bozeman thawing out last week.
We all savored the powerful punch of the grapefruit (it’s such a great mix with a sipping tequila too) as the temperatures soared to the high 70s for a few days before the storms rolled in. It was so good that She Who Must Be Obeyed has ordered requested a batch of Rio Stars be procured immediately as we begin the obligatory food purge to start the New Year.
Eric’s Spritzers were indeed so good I pestered him for a grapefruit based punch recipe to ring in the New Year and he fired this one right back – South Texas Champagne Punch.
He promised it works beautifully with ‘frugal’ champagne or any light, sparkling wine and is rounded out nicely by the port. His other advice was to get enough to make more than one batch for your party as this one goes fast.
Don’t see Rio Stars at your local grocery?
We’ve been buying from family run Crocket Farms in Harlingen ever since we lived down there years ago; their fruit is always top notch, fresh and packed well. And their Grapefruit Candy Gummies are guaranteed to bring a smile to the gloomiest January winter day.
There’s still time to round up all the goods for your party tonight.
2 bottles Champagne or another light, sparkling wine
1 bottle Ruby Port
2 cups fresh Rio Star grapefruit juice
1/2 cup simple syrup
Garnish: Grapefruit slices
Stir everything together in your party punch bowl; use large ice (freeze ice in a large mold or bundt pan) so it dilutes slowly.
Garnish with the grapefruit slices and go to it.
Enjoy and Happy New Year.
